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40th title?

13.08.2006 | Tennis

Roger was taken to three sets by Fernando Gonzalez on Saturday, downing the 15th-seeded Chilean 6-1, 5-7, 6-3 to reach the Toronto Masters Series final - his 17th straight ATP final, a streak dating back to his semifinal exit at Roland Garros in 2005.

"I had problems in the second and third sets, but I made it through. That's what counts", Roger commented. "A month's break without any tournaments and then straight to the finals. I can't ask for anything more."

After racing through the opening set, Roger failed to convert several break points early in the second set and Gonzalez, who won Olympic doubles gold in Athens two years ago, broke him at love in the 12th game to force a decisive set.

Roger saved a break point at 1-2 in the third set, then broke Gonzalez in the seventh game when the Chilean lofted a lob long. Two games later, Roger closed out the match with another break to improve to 61-4 on the year: 60-0 against all opponents but nemesis Rafael Nadal.